Wales round-up: Review of Wales AONB reaches key stage, Swansea city centre redevelopment

Review of Wales AONB reaches key stage

Swansea City Council has just concluded its consultation exercise over an updated strategy for the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Planner

RTPI awards now open for entries

The RTPI Awards for Research Excellence are now open for entries of exemplary planning research from all RTPI-accredited planning schools.

The Planner

Lib Dems make pledges on affordable housing and planning improvements

The Liberal Democrat Party has committed to creating affordable homes for all and improving the planning system.

The Planner

UKIP would incentivise brownfield development

The UK Independence Party says it will prioritise development on brownfield land and scrap the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The Planner

Welsh Mountain Zoo's plans for £6m alligator beach and tropical rainforest area are approved

Ambitious plans to modernise the National Zoo of Wales at Colwyn Bay in North Wales have been approved by Conwy Council. The zoo wants to build an alligator beach and tropical rainforest area as part of the Here Be Dragons! project. Also involved in the £6 million makeover are proposals for a new world-class education centre.

Daily Post 

Shortlist for Swansea city centre redevelopment

Five bids to regenerate two key Swansea city centre sites have been shortlisted by the city council.

City and County of Swansea

1890s church to be turned into apartments

Proposals to convert the 19th century Church of St James the Great on Newport Road, Cardiff, into a scheme providing 16 flats has been approved by the city council.

Wales Online

Aberystwyth Town FC’s flats plan approved

Plans to build 33 flats alongside Aberystwyth Town FC’s stadium have been given the go-ahead after Ceredigion Council earlier rejected proposals for a 500-seater stand and 80 flats.

BBC News

Grant for Gwynedd Council to work with Fairbourne community

Gwynedd Council is set to receive a grant of £55,000 from the Welsh Government to support its work with the Fairbourne community following the adoption of the Shoreline Management Plan for the area. This highlights that the village is at risk from tidal, river and potentially groundwater flooding and faces so-called managed retreat over the next 40 years.

Welsh Government

Plan for Morfa distributor link road completion passed

A revised plan to complete a £4.5 million road that links Swansea city centre to the Liberty Stadium has been approved. The Morfa distributor road will run parallel to the River Tawe.

BBC News